Hinged Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag and Method of Using Same

ABSTRACT

An X-ray-permeable bag is provided with a pair of hinged compartments carried by a handle in side-by-side relationship but are spread horizontally about a hinge for edge-to-edge placement on a conveyor belt so as to allow separate X-ray inspection of the compartments without content removal. In its preferred form, the bag permits separate scanning of a laptop computer and its accessories by utilizing a method that reduces the time required to perform an inspection while maintaining the integrity of the inspection process.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part application ofco-pending U.S. provisional patent application, Ser. No. 61/068,722,filed Mar. 10, 2008, for CHECKPOINT FRIENDLY LAPTOP BAG, by MarinusBernard Bosma and Virginia Marie Bosma, included by reference herein andfor which benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed.

The present application is a continuation-in-part application ofco-pending U.S. design patent application, Ser. No. 29/307,709, filedMay 7, 2008, for CHECKPOINT FRIENDLY LAPTOP BAG, by Marinus BernardBosma and Virginia Marie Bosma, included by reference herein and forwhich benefit of the priority date is hereby claimed.

The present application is a continuation-in-part application ofco-pending U.S. design patent application, Ser. No. 29/328,103, filedNov. 19, 2008, for CHECKPOINT FRIENDLY TROLLEY BAG WITH REMOVABLE LAPTOPCASE, by Marinus Bernard Bosma and Virginia Marie Bosma, included byreference herein and for which benefit of the priority date is herebyclaimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carry-on travel bag and, moreparticularly, to a laptop computer bag that allows X-ray inspection ofthe laptop computer without removing it from the bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over a quarter of all air travelers carry laptop computers with themwhen they pass through airport or other screening checkpoints. Therequirement to remove the laptop computer from the bag is a commoncomplaint. Despite the inconvenience it poses to passengers, it is anecessary requirement in order to ensure that the scanned image and moreparticularly an X-ray scanned image of the laptop computer is notfurther complicated by the superimposed images of the rest of the bag'scontents. If a laptop computer bag were able to eliminate thisrequirement, it could lower passenger stress levels, increase checkpointthroughput, and reduce the number of claims received for laptopcomputers that have been damaged during screening. Screening checkpointsare in public buildings, airports; train stations and other forms ofpublic transportation and many private enterprises such as businesses,military checkpoints and secure areas where there is a requirement tounderstand the composition and content of articles carried by someoneinto an area. Since screeners do not have time to re-screen laptops inbags that do not offer scanning compatibility, the bag must appearcheckpoint friendly by its basic construction, instead of signs, logos,colors, materials or markings. Some airlines require additional fees forhold baggage so there is increasing pressure on passengers to bringbaggage on board which increases the need for more efficient screeningmethods.

Not carrying the laptop computer as carry-on baggage is the most commonsolution to the problem of removing the laptop computer from the bag forsecurity screening. However, with business travelers who want to get totheir destinations and return quickly, having to check baggage is anunnecessary burden on both time and effort especially if the laptopcomputer is all that is being checked. Also, checking a laptop computersubjects it to the wear and tear caused by baggage handlers, conveyorbelts, harsh baggage hold environments and the potential to get lost.The traveler can eliminate all this by carrying the laptop computer withthem on the flight. Also, they may use the laptop computer on board,making their travel time more productive. Some airlines charge for holdbaggage which increases the need to bring the laptop with the passenger.

There are several bags in the prior art with similar utility. U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,509,515; 5,947,241; 6,230,771 and 6,257,381 have two individualbags that are attached to each other with fasteners but do not providefor the assemblage to be laid on the X-ray scanner belt so that noobstructions are in the way of a clear X-ray view of the contents. Noneof these inventions specifically addresses security screening.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,371 is an attempt to ease security screening byallowing the bag to be peered into via a false panel. This inventiondoes not require disassembly of the bag, but falls short of being X-rayfriendly.

The systems in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,293,635 and 6,637,563 are based on thetheory that being able to see the contents of a bag visually is enoughto clear it through security screening. If that were the case therewould be no need to have items X-rayed. A clear bag will show thecontents of the bag even if the contents are not what they appear to be.So X-ray screening is still required for these bags.

It is not enough to make the contents visible. In the case of either ofthese clear bags, the laptop will still have to be removed in order toclear security if there are other items in the bag with it.Additionally, clear bags generally do not have a cushioning capabilityto protect the laptop from shock. The CarryClear™ laptop bag claims tohave a clear cushioning capability but no examples have been shown.Australian provisional application, 2006/902437 discloses a clear laptopbag. The website for the CarryClear™ apparatus (http://carryclear.com)describes the product as being specifically designed for laptops and hassome clear padding to protect the laptop. Like all the other precedingprior art, it does not address the suitability of X-ray screening.

Another approach is an accessory for luggage called the scanner bag(http://www.gadgetduck.com/goods/scannerbag.html) which is a line ofsmall bags that are attached to the luggage handle to hold small itemsthat normally would be placed in plastic open top bins to go through thescanner. This item is not big enough to neither hold a laptop norprovide means of ensuring that the laptop is unobstructed if placedinside one.

None of the prior art addresses the relationship between the design andX-ray screening which is the dominant technology for determining thesafety of the public. Most of the prior art makes the assumption thatbeing able to visually identify the contents of bags is sufficient.Seeing what appears to be a laptop computer through a transparent bag ora bag whose sides have been removed does not ensure that the contentsare not cleverly disguised as an authorized item. Only by X-raying thearticles and positively identifying its interior components can securityscreeners ensure no contraband. Therefore, despite having the itemsvisible they still require removal from the bag if there are wires,power supplies, batteries, pens, keys or other items in the line ofsight of the X-ray screening apparatus.

It would be advantageous to provide a multi-compartment travel bag thecompartments of which are carried side-by-side but are hinged forplacement in end-to-end relationship on a belt for ease of X-rayscreening.

It would also be advantageous to provide a laptop computer bag thatallows a laptop computer to be scanned at airport screening stationswithout having to be removed from its bag.

It would also be advantageous to provide a laptop computer bag thatprotects the laptop computer from damage.

It would also be advantageous to provide a format for the bag that iseasily recognizable by airport security screening personnel as“checkpoint friendly,” a bag that allows the laptop computer to remaininside during security screening.

It would also be advantageous to provide a laptop computer bag that candisplay the keyboard and display of the laptop without removing it fromthe bag for additional verification that the article in the bag is afunctional laptop computer.

It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that has a laptopcomputer compartment so tightly fitting to the laptop that it would bedifficult, if not impossible, to put other items in the bag with thelaptop.

It would also be advantageous to provide a multi-compartment travel bagwhere one compartment is intended only for a laptop computer.

It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that can be placed on andremoved from the scanner belt without having to unsnap and re-snapfasteners.

It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that can be used as awork surface so that the laptop computer can be used without removing itfrom the bag.

It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that enables its easydeposit on and removal from a conveying belt through hand placement andhandle pick-up respectively.

It would also be advantageous to eliminate the need for bins forcontaining laptop computers while scanning, as well as handling suchbins in manual returning them to the inlet end of the scanner after eachscanning cycle.

It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that can use differentaccessory bags so that the user can reconfigure the laptop computer bagand size thereof for different purposes, such as to accommodate anovernight change of clothing along with laptop computer accessories.

It would also be advantageous to provide a bag that when folded open forX-ray screening does not exceed the standard aperture size of the X-rayscanner by having restraining elements holding the bags together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a laptopcomputer bag with a plurality of openable compartments so that thecompartments can lie horizontally on the screening system conveyor. Oneside of the bag is for holding the laptop computer and nothing else. Theother side of the bag has provisions for stowing objects that wouldotherwise obstruct a clear view of the laptop. The laptop compartmentcan swing out in a way to present it for the best aspect for X-rayscanning. The appearance of the bag with its two compartments and themanner in which they swing away from each other to lay flatly on thescanner belt distinguishes this laptop bag from standard laptop computerbag thereby making it readily recognizable by screening personnel ascheckpoint friendly. The way this laptop computer bag is used is tocleave the laptop compartment away from the rest of the bag, lay the bagon the X-ray scanning platform whether a conveyor or stationary and liftthe bag from the belt by the handle grip or shoulder straps restoringthe bag to the pre-scanning configuration gravitationally.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained byreference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunctionwith the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inventive checkpoint friendly laptopbag as it appears with the two compartments partially separated.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the checkpoint friendly laptop bagshowing its major components including the first compartment containingthe laptop computer, second compartment and shoulder strap.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bag fully flattened by separatingthe compartments from each other.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the bag with hooks and loop fasteners sewn tothe fabric.

FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of the bag laid flat and showing theway the two compartments are connected to each other via the shoulderstrap swivel clips and the handle grip; and

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the bag and a detailed view of themethod of connecting the compartments via the shoulder strap swivelclip.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components willbear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkpoint friendly laptop bag as itappears with two compartments partially separated. In normal use thefirst compartment 1 with the laptop therein is parallel and against thesecond compartment 2. They are secured by hook and loop fasteners 17.The hook and loop fasteners 17 keep the two compartments 1, 2 joinedtogether when the bag is carried either by the handle 5 or shoulderstrap 11. This view also shows the shoulder strap 11 adjustable by anadjusting buckle 13 and with its shoulder pad 14 attached to the laptopbag by means of the first compartment D-rings 8 and the secondcompartment D-rings 7 via the shoulder strap 11 swivel clip 9. Thesecond compartment 2 handle 4 is connected to the first compartment 1via the wrap-around padded handle 5, which is affixed to the firstcompartment 2 handle 6. The padded handle 5 is permanently affixed tothe first compartment 1 handle 6.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a checkpoint friendly laptop bag showingits major components including the first compartment 1, secondcompartment 2 and shoulder strap 11. This view shows the cleavage 26between the two compartments which identify this laptop bag as beingable to cleave into a flattened aspect to give the X-ray scanner abetter view of the contents. In order for screening authorities torecognize a checkpoint friendly carryon bag from one requiringadditional screening or emptying there is a readily recognizablecleavage 26 between the first compartment 1 and the second compartment2. The logo 3 is prominently displayed on the outer surface of the firstcompartment 1 and is highly X-ray permeable by virtue of beingconstructed of X-ray permeable material or embroidered of the samematerial as the bag. In the case, of bags made of leather the logo 3 isembossed or debossed into the leather to maintain X-ray permeability.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bag fully flattened by separatingthe two compartments 1, 2 from each other. The hinge is formed by acombination of D-rings 7, 8, swivel clips 9 and the handle 5. This viewalso shows the logo 3 which identifies the first compartment 1 and theshoulder strap 11 laying down but remains invisible due to its X-raypermeable adjusting buckle 13, swivel clips 9, shoulder pad 14 andwebbing.

This view also shows a second compartment 2 that is compact with asingle zippered pocket 23 on the outside. This second compartment 2 canbe changed easily by removing and replacing it with a variety ofcompartments designed for the needs of the user. This allows this bag tobe converted from a day trip bag to an overnight bag to a weekend bagwithout compromising the ability for the bag to maintain checkpointfriendliness.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the first compartment 1 bag with hook and loopfasteners 17 sewn to the fabric. These fasteners allow the firstcompartment 1 to cling to the second compartment 2 and keep them alignedand connected when not on the scanning belt. The handle 5 has aconnecting grip that is permanently attached to this compartmentallowing it to be used with a wide range of second compartments. TheD-rings 7 are permanently attached to this bag via straps. Said D-rings7 form the hinge along with the handle 6.

FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of the laptop bag laid flat andshowing the way the two compartments 1, 2 are connected to each othervia the shoulder strap 11 swivel clips 9 and the handle grip 5. Theshoulder strap 11 is shown lying on top of the first compartment 1. Thematerials used in the construction of the shoulder strap 11 are X-raypermeable and will not complicate the X-ray image of the contents of thefirst compartment 1. The zipper 12 is around the perimeter of thecompartment to stay clear of the X-ray beam.

The large second compartment 2 is shown with an external compartment 18.This is one of many possible second compartments 2. There can only beone first compartment 1 because it has the connecting handle grip 5 butthere are many potential second compartments 2. The second compartment 2shown in this view has a pouch 18 sewn on the side that big enough tostore a weekend's provisions for a traveler.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a laptop bag and a detailed viewof the method of connecting the compartments 1, 2 via the shoulder strap11 swivel clip 9. There is also a phantom view of the laptop computer 23showing how the laptop can be powered up to show the security screeningauthorities that the article in this side of the laptop bag is, in facta functional computer, not a bomb disguised as a laptop computer. Alsoshown is the cover 24 with the zipper 12 going along three sides toallow it to open fully. The security strap 22 is shown in the closedposition.

When folded on itself like this the second compartment 2 forms aplatform for the laptop computer 23. The user can operate the laptopcomputer 23 while leaving it in the bag. The second compartment raisesthe laptop to a comfortable height and provides for insulation from theheat of the laptop computer 23 during operation.

To use this laptop bag the user cleaves the first compartment 1containing the laptop computer away from the second compartment 2 bypulling them away from each other and laying the entire assembly flatlyon the conveyor belt or scanner tray. The assembly passes under theX-ray beam where it is inspected and once the inspection is finished andthe bag emerges from the scanner the user lifts the bag from the scannersurface by either the handle 5 or shoulder strap 11. The compartments 1,2 will fall back together gravitationally and cling to each other by thehook and loop fasteners 17 between the compartments. There is no furtheraction required on the part of the user to restore the bag to the carryconfiguration.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operatingrequirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in theart, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen forpurposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications whichdo not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of thisinvention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected byLetters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

1. A portable bag for hand-carrying objects to and from an X-ray stationfor flat inspection thereof, said bag comprising: distinct first andsecond compartments which, when said portable bag is hand-carried, beingin a vertical side-by-side relationship and functioning as a unitarycarrier; a hand carrying element connected to upper edge of at least oneof said first and second compartments when carried; and a hinge elementadjacent to and aligned with said carrying element, said hinge elementenabling said first and second compartments to be swung open to causesaid compartments to lie in edge-to-edge relationship about said hingeelement when placed in said X-ray station.
 2. The portable bag inaccordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and secondcompartments is X-ray permeable comprising; at least one of said firstand second compartments being lined with padding and comprising a safetystrap to secure a laptop computer in the event of a zipper failure; ashoulder strap connected to at least one of said first and secondcompartments; a hinge pivot to allow said first and second compartmentsto open flat;
 3. The portable bag in accordance with claim 1, whereinthe hand carrying element and the hinge element form a common structure.4. The portable bag in accordance with claim 3, further comprising atleast two D-rings connected to each said compartment for hanging fromthe shoulder strap.
 5. The portable bag in accordance with claim 4,wherein said shoulder strap is fastened to said D-rings for carryingsaid portable bag.
 6. The portable bag in accordance with claim 1,further comprising an accessory pouch proximate at least one of saidfirst and second compartments for containing removable items.
 7. Amethod for X-ray inspecting a laptop computer disposed in a portable bagthe steps comprising: a) providing a portable bag having first andsecond compartments which, when said portable bag is hand-carried, beingin a vertical side-by-side relationship and functioning as a unitarycarrier; b) hinging said compartments along their upper horizontaledges; c) spreading said first and second hinged compartments to ahorizontal condition; and d) positioning said portable bag flat forX-ray inspection without removing the contents thereof.
 8. The method inaccordance with claim 7, including the additional step of restoring saidcompartments to their carrying condition.
 9. The method in accordancewith claim 8, wherein restoration is effected gravitationally.
 10. Themethod in accordance with claim 9, including the step of causing saidcompartments to grip on another upon restoration.